I don't even know where to start... I was biking down my street and saw a bunch of people gathered around a pair of dogs. I realized that the dogs were emaciated and people had offered them some kibble and water. I said something stupid, like, "I work with dogs. Do these guys need help?"

Ok, well now they're on my back porch in a crate, snuggled up to a space heater. I've given them canned food and quite a bit of Gatorade, and I don't know what to do. I can't afford a ton of vet care, but I know that emaciated, scarred-up pits don't make it out of AC. They are good, sweet dogs who keep trying to give me kisses despite everything. Both are neutered, so somebody put some money into them at some point.

ETA: I suppose it's relevant they are pretty weak and I doubt they walk far, so I suspect they were dumped. It also seems obvious they've lived outside for some time.

They are dehydrated but drinking and eating readily. The refill time on their gums is decent.

I only have one pic:

That's Red Dog (lol). His "brother" Yellow Dog is just as bad and has superficial wounds around his muzzle.

What do I do? What are my options? Keeva's breeder has done a lot of rescue and gave me care tips. I just don't know... I really can't hang on to them indefinitely but taking them to AC would break my heart.

Be prepared to feed em and water them for awhile, imo at least a month. Start networking with different rescue groups not associated with AC. Small meals, frequently. Short walks. Get a scale and weigh them daily - to every other day. In about 2 weeks if they look a better worm them, then make a vet appointment for two weeks out from that for vaccines and a HW test.

Also - please be very careful no matter how good they behave now - when they feel better they may show you an entirely different dog.

Oh, that is just the saddest thing. It breaks my heart to see this. What is wrong with people who would do this to a dog? I'm so glad you are taking care of them. Kudos. You got some good advice so far. I don't have anything to add really...except maybe the media? It seems a newsworthy story. Sometimes that brings people who want to help. It also may bring some undesirable ones. I don't know how you can tell. I guess you have to be careful and really check people out who may adopt them. I hope they get good homes to make up for this travesty. They deserve it for sure.

Also - please be very careful no matter how good they behave now - when they feel better they may show you an entirely different dog.

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This too, my girl was a complete doll but as her strength returned so did her animal aggression. Just be prepared, it doesnt make them a bad dog but be aware that living in that state can cause some issues. Take precautions now so they aren't and you aren't surprised when routines change soon.

ETA, my vet worked with me a lot on price and many vets will when they see dogs like this.

This too, my girl was a complete doll but as her strength returned so did her animal aggression. Just be prepared, it doesnt make them a bad dog but be aware that living in that state can cause some issues. Take precautions now so they aren't and you aren't surprised when routines change soon.

ETA, my vet worked with me a lot on price and many vets will when they see dogs like this.

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Thanks you guys! Yeah, I'm totally prepared to see changes in behavior as they recover - especially in the animal aggression department, but all around as well. They've been impressively non-food guardy, all things considered, but I'm still very cautious. They have not met my dogs/cat and most likely will not.

Adrienne, I'm in Chicago - in the city proper. Any contacts you can offer would be greatly appreciated.

I can definitely feed them, I can buy the Nutri-cal (but thanks for the offer, that's really kind of you!), and I can easily do some OTC wormer and such. I just can't swing hundreds in vet care, you know? I might call Keeva's vet and see if they can't help me out a little, at least.

I really think the required vet contact will be minimal since they're already altered - although it might be worth getting them checked for a chip. Really, everything but the HW test you can probably do yourself assuming they don't continue to decline in some way. Most of the time food + water + care solves most of these issues in young dogs. Also with wormers and such often times you can help yourself by shopping online from a reputable broker like jeffers or pet edge.

If you find yourself in need of help with costs please say something here.

I really think the required vet contact will be minimal since they're already altered - although it might be worth getting them checked for a chip. Really, everything but the HW test you can probably do yourself assuming they don't continue to decline in some way. Most of the time food + water + care solves most of these issues in young dogs. Also with wormers and such often times you can help yourself by shopping online from a reputable broker like jeffers or pet edge.

If you find yourself in need of help with costs please say something here.

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Ok, sounds good. I am pretty good at DIYing anyway. I know I can get HW tests done at some of the low cost clinics around here. It is really kind of you guys to offer your help.

They are already doing better. Both are being really good about holding it in the crate and then going when I bring them outside. They've kept down a few small meals + water, and their skin elasticity is improving. With a blanket over the front of their crate and the little space heater going, they're quite cozy.

Wait, I meant to ask this before... What should I do legally? I know other people on the scene called AC repeatedly. I can report abuse/neglect online, and I can also report stray dogs. Neither form allows to me to specify that I've taken them into my care. I feel I should report it though, as I don't want to get in trouble for having two emaciated dogs in a crate on my back porch. I did email the Anti-Cruelty Society, which is the only other org besides AC that accepts reports of cruelty and can accept strays. I told them the story and explained that I have the dogs in my care. Is that enough?

They're definitely improving! Both are starting to get waggy tails when I take them out of the crate. Both are producing lots of light colored urine, which is great, as before it was almost orange and just a few drops.

Tomorrow I'm going to grab them a 48" crate with a divider from work, and house them separately but next to each other, to put my mind at ease. I hate two dogs in the same crate, much less two same sex pit bull types.

Keeping them on the porch seems to be working great. With the crate covered with a blanket and the space heater running, the crate is as warm as inside the house. They certainly seem comfortable.

Here, all you have to do is notify AC that you've taken in strays. I think after two weeks they become your property, as long as you've let AC know you have the dogs in case their owner IS actually looking for them, ect.

That's here though, so it could be different where you live. Mostly these guys like this recover with food + water and care. Unfortunately I seem to live in abandoned pit bull capital of the world, and no where down here is taking them in. :/

If you find yourself in need of help with costs please say something here.

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This this this. I don't have any rescue resources in Chicago but I can definitely pitch to help you out. I think that if you contact some of the rescues on FB they'd be more than willing to help out. That picture is going to tug a lot of heartstrings. Poor babies.

Emily, I know of a couple pit rescues in the Chicagoland area. If you could PM me with with more info on the dogs and your location, I would appreciate that. I can pass on the info to a friend who may be able to help you out. You can email me at: collarshop@yahoo.com.

I met a guy a few weeks ago at a seminar that rusn a pitbull rescue in Chicago. Had a cool painted SUV, but heck if I can remember the name. I'm checking on it though and hopefully have some answers soon.